The Fallout of the Health Certificate Controversy
The health certificate controversy has sparked a heated debate among UST employees, with many expressing their outrage and disappointment towards the university administration. The controversy began when a health certificate was issued to a student who had been diagnosed with a contagious illness, raising questions about the university’s handling of student health and safety.
The Backlash Against UST Administration
Fake accounts spread misinformation and propaganda, threatening democratic processes.
The Varsitarian, a student-run newspaper at the University of the Philippines, published an interview with Moreno in which he discussed his plans for the country’s future, including his vision for a more inclusive and equitable society.
The Rise of Fake Accounts
The emergence of fake accounts in response to the Varsitarian interview is not a new phenomenon. In recent years, social media platforms have seen a significant increase in fake accounts, particularly in the Philippines. According to a report by the Philippine National Police (PNP), there are over 1 million fake social media accounts in the country, with many of them being created to spread misinformation and propaganda.
The Varsitarian’s investigation revealed that the pro-Lacuna campaign was not just a grassroots movement but a coordinated effort by the Lacuna’s government and its allies.
The Investigation Begins
The Varsitarian’s investigation into the pro-Lacuna campaign started with a review of social media comments under a video featuring Moreno. The comments showed overwhelming support for the Lacuna’s president, with many users expressing their admiration for her leadership and policies. The Varsitarian’s team was intrigued by the sudden and widespread support for Moreno, which seemed to be more than just a coincidence.
Gathering Evidence
To gather evidence, the Varsitarian’s team conducted a series of interviews with social media users who had commented on the video.
The trolls were created to spread disinformation and influence public opinion.
The Rise of Troll Accounts
The troll accounts were created by a combination of human and artificial intelligence. Human trolls were hired to create and manage the accounts, while AI algorithms were used to generate the content and automate the posting process. This allowed the trolls to spread disinformation and propaganda at an unprecedented scale. The troll accounts were designed to mimic the appearance and behavior of real users, making it difficult to distinguish between genuine and fake accounts. The trolls used a variety of tactics to spread disinformation, including: + Creating fake news articles and social media posts + Sharing manipulated images and videos + Engaging in personal attacks and harassment + Using bots to amplify their messages*
The Impact of Troll Accounts
The troll accounts had a significant impact on the 2016 national elections.
The Philippine government has been accused of using social media to silence opposition voices and suppress dissenting opinions.
The Rise of Duterte’s Digital Warriors
In the early 2010s, the Philippines began to experience a surge in online activism, with social media platforms becoming increasingly popular. This led to the emergence of a new breed of digital warriors, who used online platforms to spread pro-Duterte narratives and silence opposition voices. Key tactics employed by digital warriors: + Spreading misinformation and propaganda + Online harassment and trolling + Tracking and monitoring of critics’ phone numbers + Coordinated attacks on social media platforms These digital warriors were often linked to the Philippine government, with some even being employed by the Department of National Defense.
They are skilled in creating engaging content, using hashtags, and manipulating public opinion.
The Rise of Hired Trolls
The use of hired trolls has become increasingly prevalent in the digital landscape. This phenomenon is often associated with the spread of misinformation and the amplification of divisive rhetoric. The rise of social media has created an environment where individuals can easily create and disseminate content, often without fact-checking or accountability.
Characteristics of Hired Trolls
The Problem of Trolls
Trolls are individuals who intentionally post inflammatory, hurtful, or misleading content on social media platforms. They often target specific groups or individuals, causing emotional distress and disrupting online communities. The problem of trolls has become increasingly prevalent in recent years, with many social media platforms struggling to keep up with the sheer volume of hate speech and harassment. Key characteristics of trolls: + Intentionally post inflammatory or hurtful content + Target specific groups or individuals + Often use sarcasm or irony to mask their true intentions + May use fake accounts or personas to avoid detection
The Benefits of Trolls for Lawmakers
Calilung’s observation that lawmakers are reluctant to regulate trolls highlights the complex relationship between trolls and those in power.
The Manila Mayoral Election: Moreno Secures Substantial Advantage
A Survey of Public Opinion
According to a survey conducted by OCTA Research in January 2025, Manila’s mayoral election has seen a significant shift in public opinion.
